SGF, Ministers Hold Emergency Meeting Today Amid Rising Protest Concerns

In response to the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1, the Federal Government has organized an emergency meeting for this morning, signaling the administration’s growing concern over the escalating unrest.

This meeting follows President Bola Tinubu’s plea for the protest organizers to delay their actions, allowing more time for the government’s people-oriented initiatives to take effect.

A circular sighted by SK blog revealed that the meeting will involve all ministers, Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and Special Advisers to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; and former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare. The directive was signed by Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Richard Pheelangwah.

Scheduled for 10 a.m. in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s Conference Room, the meeting underscores the administration’s urgent need to address the grievances driving the protests, including the rising cost of living and economic challenges attributed to recent policy changes such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.

The protest, inspired by recent demonstrations in Kenya, has gained significant traction on social media under the hashtags ‘EndBadGovernance,’ ‘TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024.’

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the President’s message, urging Nigerians to abandon the protest plans and await the government’s response to their concerns.

“The President does not see any need for the protest. He has asked them to await the government’s response to all their pleas,” Idris stated, emphasizing Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s issues.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, echoed the sentiment, warning against potential violence and recalling the devastating impact of the 2020 #EndSARS protests.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, labeled the planned protests as treasonable, accusing the Labour Party and its supporters of orchestrating the unrest. However, the Labour Party has denied any involvement, advocating for peaceful demonstrations instead.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and the Peoples Democratic Party affirmed the constitutional right to protest, urging the government to ensure a secure environment for peaceful demonstrations.

As tensions rise, the Federal Government has outlined several initiatives aimed at alleviating economic hardships, including the speedy passage of the National Minimum Wage Bill, distribution of grains to state governments, and support schemes for unemployed graduates.